Author: Dr. Vikram Chauhan

January 22, 2025

Ayurvedic Treatment for Ulcerative Colitis with Herbal Remedies

ABSTRACT

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Another type of IBD is Crohn’s disease. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic condition that happens when there is inflammation in the colon. Most people with UC experience symptom flare-ups followed by remission without symptoms. Signs and symptoms include diarrhea, bloody stools, abdominal cramping, and weight loss. Here we will discuss its Ayurvedic point of view and treatment.

Ulcerative Colitis, Types of Ulcerative Colitis, Cause of Ulcerative Colitis, Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis, Treatment for Ulcerative Colitis, Ayurvedic Treatment for Ulcerative Colitis, Ayurvedic Overview, Herbal Remedies for Ulcerative Colitis, Ulcerative Colitis Ayurvedic Treatment

INTRODUCTION

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in which the abnormal reactions of the immune system cause inflammation and ulcers on the inner lining of your large intestine with relapsing nature. Ulcerative colitis incidence rate is 9 to 20 cases per 100,000 persons per year. No male or female predominance exists in UC. It affects the age group of 15-35 years and is less common in 50-75 years.

TYPES OF ULCERATIVE COLITIS

Ulcerative colitis is classified based on where the inflammation is in the colon. The inflammation usually starts in the rectum, which is close to the anus. The inflammation can spread and affect all or part of your colon. Types include:

  • Ulcerative Proctitis: In this type, inflammation affects the sigmoid colon and rectum. This condition mainly affects less than six inches of the rectum, and it is not associated with any risk of cancer.
  • Left-sided Colitis: Inflammation affects the left side of your colon. Inflammation begins at the rectum and extends as far into the colon as the splenic flexure, which is a bend in the colon near the spleen. Left-sided colitis also includes proctosigmoiditis, which affects the rectum and the lower segment of the colon located right above the rectum known as the sigmoid colon.
  • Pancolitis: Inflammation affects your entire colon. Continuous inflammation begins at the rectum and extends beyond the splenic flexure.

CAUSES OF ULCERATIVE COLITIS

The cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown. People with this condition have problems with their immune system. However, it is not clear if immune problems cause this illness. Stress and certain food can worsen the situation like:

  • Beverages with alcohol
  • Caffeinated drinks
  • Dairy products
  • Insoluble fiber food (raw vegetables, nuts, whole grain, fruits with skin on)
  • Greasy food
  • Spicy food

SYMPTOMS OF ULCERATIVE COLITIS

Main symptoms of ulcerative colitis are

  • Bloody diarrhea
  • Pus in stool
  • Rectal bleeding

Other Symptoms Include

  • Pain in the abdomen
  • Rectal pain
  • Urgency
  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Joint pain and swelling
  • Red burning and itchy eyes
  • Painful bumps
  • Rashes on the skin
  • Ulcers on the skin

COMPLICATIONS OF ULCERATIVE COLITIS

Ulcerative colitis can increase the risk of developing other conditions. These conditions include:

  • Anemia
  • Colon cancer
  • Primary sclerosing cholangitis
  • Growth and development issues in children

Some emergency complications that require immediate treatment in ER include:

  • Dehydration
  • Perforation
  • Severe Bleeding
  • Toxic Megacolon

DIAGNOSIS FOR ULCERATIVE COLITIS

The initial diagnostic workup for ulcerative colitis consists of a complete history and physical examinations with assessment of signs and symptoms, laboratory tests, and endoscopy. Specific testing may include:

  • Complete Blood Cells Count: It may show anemia and thrombocytosis (increased platelet count).
  • Kidney Function Test (KFT) and Electrolyte studies: Chronic diarrhea may be associated with hypomagnesemia and hypokalemia kidney injury.
  • Inflammatory Markers: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein.
  • Endoscopy: To evaluate the rectum, distal large intestine, or entire colon and end of the small intestine (colonoscopy) for ulcers and inflammation.

Some other tests may include:

  • Stool calprotectin
  • Barium anemia

Tests of the small intestine are needed to differentiate between ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, including:

  • CT Scan
  • MRI
  • Upper endoscopy or capsule endoscopy
  • MR Enterography

TREATMENT FOR ULCERATIVE COLITIS

Ulcerative colitis treatment usually involves surgery or drug therapy. The type and category of medication depend upon the severity of the condition. It takes time to find the medication that helps because the medication that works well for some people may not work well for other patients.

Anti-inflammatory

The first step in the treatment of ulcerative colitis is anti-inflammatory drugs as they help many patients with their condition. These medications include:

  • Oral-5-aminosalicylates
  • Corticosteroids

Immunomodulators

These medicines also reduce inflammation. They do so by suppressing the immune system response that starts the process of inflammation. These medicines include:

  • Azathioprine and Mercaptopurine
  • Cyclosporine

Biologics

This class of therapies targets proteins made by the immune system. Types of biologics used to treat ulcerative colitis include:

  • Infliximab, Adulimumab, golimumab
  • Vedolizumab
  • Mirikizumab
  • Risankizumab

Other Medications

Additional medications are required to manage specific types of symptoms of ulcerative colitis. These medications include:

  • Antidiarrheal
  • Antispasmodic
  • Iron supplement
  • Pain relievers

Surgery

If medications are not working, then surgery is the option. 30% of ulcerative colitis patients need surgery at some point. There are two types of surgery, and they both involve proctocolectomy:

  1. Proctocolectomy and ileal pouch
  2. Proctocolectomy and ileostomy

AYURVEDIC OVERVIEW

The major symptoms of ulcerative colitis are diarrhea, rectal bleeding, passing of mucus, pain in abdomen. According to ayurveda these symptoms are correlated with Atisara (Diarrhea), some sub types of Atisara have similar symptoms. These symptoms can be correlated with Pittatisara (Diarrhea due to excess pitta) and Raktatisara (Diarrhea with blood) i.e Chronic stage of Pittatisara. According to Acharya Charak Raktatisara (Diarrhea with blood) can be caused due to intake of pitta vitiating drinks and food by the patient suffering from Pittatisara (Diarrhea due to excess pitta). Patients with Pittatisara have tendencies to develop Raktatisara if they do not follow pathya ahara vihara (Favorable food and routine). Due to an increased amount of blood in stool this condition is correlated with active ulcerative colitis.

CAUSES

According to Ayurveda Impaired Jatharagni (digestive fire) causes various kinds of gastrointestinal disease. According to Acharya Charak:

  • Intake of sour, salty, alkaline,pungent, hot and irritant things
  • Exposure to scorching sun, fire, hot wind
  • Stress
  • Anger
  • Envy

All of them cause Pittatisara. According to Acharya charak intake of pitta vitiating factor by pitta prakriti patients can cause raktatisara.

According to Acharya Sushruta

Understanding Pittatisara and Raktatisara According to Acharya Sushruta :

  • Intake of heavy, excessive fatty food
  • Incompatible food
  • Heavy food before digestion of previous
  • Improperly cooked
  • Contaminated food or drinks
  • Suppression of natural urges
  • Worm infestation

According to Acharya Madhavkar

Continuous and excessive intake of pitta increasing diet by pitta Prakriti patients can cause Raktatisara.

Samprapti Ghatak

  • Dosha: pitta dominant Tridosha
  • Dusya(involved tissue): Rasa (Plasma), Rakta (Blood)
  • Strotas(channel involved): PurishaVaha srotas (Channel that transport faeces), UdakaVaha srotas (Channel that transport water), Annavah satotas (Channel that transport food and liquid)
  • Sroto Dushti: Ati Pravarti (Excessive flow)
  • Agni: jatharagni (Digestive fire), Dhatvagni (Bodily tissue fire)
  • Utbhavasthana(placed involved): Pakvashya (Large intestine)

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

According to Acharya Charak

  1. In Pittatisara patients:
    • Green, yellow, blue, black coloured stool
    • Thirst
    • Burning sensation
    • Sweating
    • Fainting
  2. In Raktatisara patients:
    • Bloody diarrhea
    • Pain in abdomen
    • Burning sensation in abdomen
    • Inflammation in Anorectum

According to Acharya Sushrut

  1. In Pittatisara patients:
    • Hot faeces with bad smell
    • Thirst
    • Fainting
    • Fever with sweating
    • Ulceration in rectum and anus
    • Burning sensation in abdomen
  2. In Raktatisara patients:
    • Inflammation in Anorectum
    • Bloody diarrhea
    • Burning sensation
    • Fever

According to Acharya Vaghbata

  • In Pittatisara patients:
    • Yellow, black, turmeric-like or green feces
    • Foul smell from stool
    • Fainting
    • Perspiration
    • Pain in abdomen
    • Ulceration in abdomen

Continuous and excessive intake of pitta-increasing diet by pitta Prakriti patients can cause Raktatisara (Diarrhea with blood).

TREATMENT

Agnimandya (Low digestive fire) is the root cause of this disease. In any kind of Atisara (Diarrhea), Ama (Undigested food) and Pakva conditions should be determined first. This is the first-line treatment of Atisara. Keeping in mind the strength of the patient:

In Amavastha

  1. Langhan (fasting)
  2. Yavagu (thick gruel) is made with Deepan (Enhance digestive fire) and Pachan (Digestion) drugs like Shunthi, Chitrak, etc.

Grahi drugs should be avoided in Amavastha (Undigested food) because it can cause Pliha Vridhi (Splenomegaly), Pandu (Anemia), Anaha (Constipation), Prameh (Diabetes), Ghrani (IBS), Arsh (Piles), Shula (Pain), etc.

In Pakva condition

In this condition, Grahi (Absorb and retain fluids) medication can be given. Along with this, Shaman Chikitsa (Pacifying therapy) and Shodhan Chikitsa (Purifying therapy) are indicated.

In Raktatisara condition

Basti karma is indicated for Raktatisara. Pichha basti is considered to be the best treatment.

Shaman Chikitsa

Some Ayurvedic preparations mentioned in classical Ayurvedic texts for Raktatisara and Pittatisara are:

  1. Churan (Powder)
    • Madhukadi Powder: Powder of Madhuk, Katfal, Lodhra, Dadim. Take all their ingredients in equal parts with honey followed by Tandulodak (rice water). It is very helpful in Pittatisara.
    • Nagkesar Powder: Intake of 6gm of Nagkesar powder with Makhan or honey 2 times a day on an empty stomach. It has Raktastambhak properties, so it is helpful in Raktatisara.
    • Nilopladi Yoga: Take 3gm of Nilotpala, Mochrasa, Lajjalu, and Padhmakesar with goat’s milk. A diet of rice and milk is advised after the digestion of the drug.
  2. Ghrita Preparations
    • Shatavri Ghrita: Take Shatavari Ghrita with milk. A milk diet helps to overcome bloody diarrhea. It is helpful in Pittatisara, Raktatisara, and Ghrani. It is Balya (Increasing strength), Medhya (Intellect and cognitive power), and Rasayana (Rejuvenating). It also helps to heal ulcers.
    • Nyogradi Ghrita: Take Nayogradi Ghrita with honey and sugar. It helps in Raktatisara.
  4. Kwath (Decoction)
    • Cold decoction of Shalmali Vrinta with Yashtimadhu with honey. It helps to cure Pittatisara and Raktatisara.
    • Dadimadi Kwath: Take bark of Dadim and Kutaj fruit. It helps to cure bloody diarrhea.
    • Dhanya Panchak Kwath: It is used for pain in the abdomen and for controlling diarrhea.
    • Take Bilva Majja with Fadita followed by honey. It is helpful in Raktatisara.
  5. Kshir (Medicated Milk)

    6. Kutaja Kshira: Take goat’s milk and water in equal proportions. Add Yavkuta powder of Kutaj bark (12 gm) and boil it. Let all the water evaporate. The remaining portion is Kutaja Kshira. Intake of 6gm of this Kshira (Milk) is helpful in Raktatisara.

Shodhan Chikitsa

In Shodhan Chikitsa, Basti is indicated for Raktatisara:

  • Anuvasana Basti
  • Piccha Basti

Pathya (To be taken)

  • Dairy Products: Cow’s ghee, Goat’s milk
  • Fruits: Banana, apple, ripened papaya, bael fruit, muskmelon, watermelon
  • Vegetables: Potato, carrot, turnip, gourd
  • Pulses: All types of millets, moong dal with skin removed, rice
  • Oils: Cow’s ghee, mustard oil, olive oil, rice bran oil
  • Juices: Pomegranate juice, rose petal juice, marigold petal juice, coconut water, coriander leaves juice
  • Nuts: Overnight soaked nuts

Apathya (Not to be consumed)

  • Dairy Products: Milk, tea, ice cream, butter, and all others
  • Spices: Red chili, green chili, white salt
  • Fruits: All citrus fruits like orange, grapes, lemon, mango, pineapple
  • Vegetables: Peas, beans, garlic, brinjal, onions, cauliflower, ladyfingers, cucumber
  • Pulses: Kidney beans, black beans, black grams, chickpeas, red, black, yellow lentils
  • Oils: Hydrogenated oils, coconut oil, palm oil, soybean oil
  • Others: Aloe vera juice, pickles, fried food, baked food, alcohol, Triphala

HERBAL REMEDIES OF ULCERATIVE COLITIS BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda is a well established brand. It is a GMP certified and US-FDA registered company. Planet ayurveda uses best quality herbs and prepares medications by following proper ayurvedic principles. All these medicines are prepared under the supervision of MD scholars. Planet ayurveda has 100% pure medicine with no side effects. They have the best combination of herbs for ulcerative colitis and one of them is the Ulcerative Colitis Care Pack. These are safe to use as they have no side effects.

  1. Arjuna Capsules
  2. Vatsakadi Churna
  3. Pitta Balance
  4. Kutajghan Vati
Ulcerative Colitis, Types of Ulcerative Colitis, Cause of Ulcerative Colitis, Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis, Treatment for Ulcerative Colitis, Ayurvedic Treatment for Ulcerative Colitis, Ayurvedic Overview, Herbal Remedies for Ulcerative Colitis, Ulcerative Colitis Ayurvedic Treatment

Products Description

1. Arjuna Capsules

It is in the form of capsules prepared using standardised extract of Arjuna’s (Terminalia arjuna) tree bark is a standardized extract and it is used to make this formulation. It acts as analgesics, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antidiarrheal. It is rich in minerals like magnesium, copper, zinc, and calcium. It helps to maintain tridosha (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). It is helpful in healing ulcers and increasing red blood cells in the body. So it is very beneficial in ulcerative colitis.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice a day with water after a meal.

2. Vatsakadi Churna

It is a powder that is a blend of many herbs. It consists of Kutaj (Holarrhena antidysenterica),Dhania (Coriandrum sativum), Saunf (Foeniculum vulgrea), Nagarmotha (Cyperus scariosus), Choti Elaichi (Cardamom), Bilva (Aegle marmelos), Anar (Pomegranate) and Jaiphal (Myristica fragrans). It works on the intestines. Kutaj It has been used to relieve dysentery, Bilva helps in relieving the digestive system disorders, Saunf has phytoestrogens which help in digestion, Choti elaichi is also good for the digestive system. It acts as a mouth refresher and helpful in respiratory disorders, Jaiphal acts as a stimulant, analgesic and moreover it is the best for the digestive system. Thus, all these herbs work amazingly in ulcerative colitis.

Dosage: 1 tsp twice a day with water after a meal.

3. Pitta Balance

It is in the form of a capsule. It consist of Praval pishti (Mentha spicata), Jahar mohra pishti (Serpentine stone), Akik pishti (Silicon dioxide), Kamdhenu ras (samadera indica), Mukti pishti, Giloy satva (tinospora indica). Our body consists of vata, Pitta and kapha. Pitta is responsible for digestion and metabolism of the body. In this formulation there is a calcium compound which helps in controlling bleeding and provides a cooling effect on the body. In ulcerative colitis it is very important to balance the pitta as it is primarily caused due to imbalance of pitta dosha in the body.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice a day with water after a meal.

4. Kutajghan Vati

It is in the form of tablets. It consists of the purest extract of Kutaj (Holarrhena antidysenterica) herb. Diarrhea and Dysentery can be cured by Kutajghan herbs. It is very useful in the functioning of the intestine. Thus it helps in managing ulcerative colitis.

Dosage: 2 tablets twice a day with water after a meal.

CONCLUSION

Ulcerative Colitis is a disease that can be managed very well with Ayurveda. Ayurvedic treatment provides various oral medications and panchkarma therapies like Piccha Basti and Planet Ayurveda’s Ulcerative Colitis Care Pack has been proved useful in alleviating symptoms and to reducing serious conditions. Ayurvedic treatment provides a better quality of life for patients.

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January 21, 2025

Benefits of the Keto Diet: How It Works and Why It’s Effective

ABSTRACT

The ketogenic diet is the most popular diet around the world. The keto diet, short for ketogenic, means eating a high amount of fat, a moderate amount of protein and very few carbs, that causes the body to break down fat into ketones. The aim of this diet is to facilitate weight loss, boost energy levels and enhance mental clarity. Ketogenic diet stimulates ketogenesis. Ketogenesis provides energy to the body’s organs, especially the heart, brain and skeletal muscles, when there isn’t enough glucose or carbohydrates in the diet. Ketogenesis is preferred to compensate for the energy requirements. But the keto diet is considered quite difficult to follow due to its strict regimen and restrictions on carbohydrates, which can lead to significant lifestyle changes. Due to limited food options many people find it challenging to sustain for the long-term. If not carefully planned, a keto diet could lead to health problems and deficiencies in certain vitamins.

Keto Diet, What is Keto Diet, Ketogenesis, Fat Fad Diets, Types of Keto Diet, Liquid Diet, Intermittent Fasting, Healthy Eating, Fasting Benefits, Low Carb, Keto Diet Lifestyle, Clean Eating, Ayurvedic Healing, Holistic Living, Healing Vibes, Wellness Lifestyle, Ayurveda Experts, Benefits of Keto Diet, Side Effects of Keto Diet

INTRODUCTION

The keto-diet which is also known as the ketogenic diet is a specific type of diet in which low amounts of carbohydrates are taken and moderate amounts of protein is taken but the content of fat is kept high in food. So the body’s weight is reduced with high fats. This is a way of dieting which has been practised for several years. As the intake of carbohydrates content is reduced, the body is forced to switch to fatty acid oxidation. As it stimulates oxidation and ketogenesis, this diet is beneficial to treat different disorders such as obesity, triglycerides, blood pressure and blood sugar, refractory epilepsy, Parkinson’s diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, traumatic brain injury, and sleep disorders. It’s not just the diet for weight loss but also to manage many disorders.

WHAT IS KETO-DIET

The keto diet is a dietary plan that emphasizes foods high in fats, moderate protein, and minimal carbohydrates. Its objective is to derive a greater proportion of calories from fat than from carbohydrates. This diet operates by exhausting the body’s sugar stores, prompting it to begin breaking down fat for energy. This process produces ketones, which the body uses as fuel. As fat is burned, weight loss may also occur.

HOW DOES THE KETO-DIET WORK?

Our body uses different types of fuel from the food we eat in order to function properly, our body is designed to use three main fuels including carbohydrates, fats, and protein. Carbohydrates are the body’s primary fuel source. The keto diet aims to force your body to rely on ketone bodies (A type of fuel that the liver produces from stored fat) instead of carbohydrates. This is done by increasing the intake of fats roughly up to 70–80% and greatly reducing the intake of carbohydrates up to 5–10%.

KETOGENESIS

Ketogenesis is initiated in the liver. Ketone bodies are produced in the ketogenesis process. Ketone bodies are supplemental energy compounds. In the mitochondria of the liver, fatty acids are oxidized to produce a significant amount of energy, resulting in the creation of three compounds called “ketone bodies.” The three ketone molecules formed are – Acetone, Acetoacetate, and D-3-hydroxybutyrate. These ketones serve as significant sources of energy for outer tissues such as cardiac, skeletal muscle etc. The ketone bodies then enter the bloodstream and can be utilized by the brain, heart, and muscle, where they produce cellular energy. Ketone bodies not only serve as a source of fuel but also promote resistance to oxidative and inflammatory stress, by the upregulation of anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. Liver produces significant amounts of ketone bodies during a non-ketogenic diet also. However, in conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, ketoacidosis can happen if too many ketone bodies get built up.

BUT ISN’T FAT BAD FOR HEALTH?

Nowadays, many “healthy” foods are advertised with a low fat content…after all “cholesterol kills” doesn’t it? Fats have been the subject of its negative impacts on the body in recent years. Though It is true that too much fat can lead to arteriosclerosis which can lead to heart attacks or strokes. But fat is not as bad as people have been taught. Fats also have an important role to play in nutritional health, even cholesterol in controlled amounts is necessary for the body. Fats are the structural units of cellular membranes and it supports cell function. Fats help in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K in the body. Body fat insulates the body, and helps to keep the body warm. So fat can be good or bad depending on the type of fat and how much you consume.

FAT FOR KETO DIET

Limit the consumption of fats from highly processed oils, meats, and fried foods. Reduce saturated fat intake and replace it with unsaturated fats, which can help decrease LDL (Low density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels. Healthy keto foods are fresh, unprocessed, whole foods that include beneficial fats, such as monounsaturated and omega-3 polyunsaturated fats, while steering clear of inflammatory seed oils and refined carbohydrates, like sugary drinks. The keto diet includes healthy unsaturated fats, but it also promotes the consumption of significant amounts of saturated fats. Saturated fats can increase levels of both low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), often called “good” cholesterol. Thus saturated fats should be taken in limited amounts.

Unsaturated fats include

  • Monounsaturated Fats: They are healthy fats commonly included in the keto diet, known for their ability to help lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol, and aid in weight management. Some sources of monounsaturated fats are chia seeds, avocado oil, olive oil, and hemp seeds.
  • Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: Foods such as fish, flax seed, and walnuts are beneficial in lowering cholesterol.

Saturated fats include

  • Coconut oil and palm oil
  • Butter
  • Cocoa butter, etc.

TYPES OF KETOGENIC DIET

The keto-diet can be categorized into four types. They are characterized on the basis of the percentage of macronutrients they contain, allowing for increased compliance with the regimen. These include:

  1. Classic Long Chain Triglyceride (LCT): This generally follows a 4:1 ratio of fat to protein and carbohydrates, meaning fat contributes around 90% of daily calories.
  2. Medium Chain Triglyceride (MCT): The MCT diet is a modified version of the standard 4:1 ketogenic diet. It incorporates MCT oil, which contains fatty acids that are more efficient in producing ketones compared to those found in butter and oil. This enables the diet to include higher amounts of carbohydrates and protein while still promoting ketone production. MCT oil such as coconut oil, palm kernel oil can be used.
  3. Modified Atkins Diet (MAD): The MAD is a less rigid form of the ketogenic diet (KD) designed to treat epilepsy. This type of diet restricts carbohydrate intake to 15–20 grams per day, with no limitations on protein, typically contributing 35% of daily calories. It is a high-fat diet, with a fat-to-protein-and-carbohydrate ratio of approximately 1.5:1.
  4. Low Glycemic Index Treatment: The LGIT is a variation of the ketogenic diet that emphasizes the consumption of complex carbohydrates rather than simple sugars. This diet tracks daily carbohydrate intake, with a typical target of 40-60 grams per day.

BENEFITS OF KETO-DIET

  • Weight Loss: It helps in weight loss by boosting metabolism and reducing appetite. Weight loss is the most primary benefit of the ketogenic diet.
  • Energy level: It increases energy levels.
  • Appetite: It reduces appetite by producing a state of satisfaction. The ketogenic diet suppresses hunger hormones. So by doing this it reduces the appetite.
  • Heart health: It manages heart health by increasing the levels of HDL in the diet.
  • Diabetes: Keto diet helps in managing diabetes, instead of sugar the keto diet fat is used for energy. So this diet may improve blood glucose (sugar) levels while also reducing the need for insulin.
  • Blood Pressure: This diet helps in the management of blood pressure. The ketogenic diet reduces blood pressure by reducing triglycerides and LDL.
  • Brain Health: Ketones produced in keto diet that protect neural cells. It acts as an antioxidant and assists in safeguarding brain cells from any damage. This diet reduces the risk of neurological decline and is used to treat seizures in neurological studies.
  • Acne: This diet helps in clearing the texture of the skin. It helps in reduction of insulin in the body. Lower insulin levels contribute to fewer acne lesions. So it has a good effect on acne.
  • PCOS: PCOS causes hormonal imbalance, keto diet is helpful in managing hormones thus it helps women with PCOS.
  • Migraines: This diet helps in maintaining the energy level of neural cells. This diet shows a reduction in migraine and severe headaches.
  • Cancer Treatment: This diet is the treatment of choice for cancer. Some research has shown reduction in growth of cancer cells due to this diet.

SIDE EFFECTS OF KETO-DIET

  1. The “Keto Flu”: Keto diet can lead to the keto flu. It consists of the following symptoms:
    • Headache
    • Constipation
    • Dizziness
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Fatigue
  2. Hard to follow
  3. Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies
  4. Dehydration
  5. Kidney Stones
  6. Weight Regain
  7. Anxiety

RISK ASSOCIATED WITH KETO-DIET

  • Serious Muscle Loss Is a Possible Side Effect of Keto.
  • The Possibility of Low Blood Sugar due to keto diet can be risky for people with diabetes.
  • Nutrient Deficiencies e.g. calcium, selenium, magnesium and other micronutrients.
  • Ketoacidosis
  • Atherosclerosis

WHO CAN FOLLOW THE KETO-DIET

  • In adolescents and adults
  • For weight loss
  • Bodybuilders
  • Endurance athletes
  • Patients of Alzheimer’s disease and autism
  • In the patients of seizures

WHO SHOULD AVOID KETO-DIET

The keto diet may not be safe for people with certain conditions:

  • Heart failure
  • High cholesterol
  • History of heart events or surgery
  • Respiratory failure
  • Pregnancy
  • Eating disorder
  • Recent stroke or myocardial infarction
  • Active or severe infections
  • Heart disease
  • People with type 1 diabetes must not adopt the keto-diet due to the possibility of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), also one who has already the gall-bladder replaced must skip this diet as this diet is too rich in fat

SOME GENERAL RULES OF KETOGENIC DIET INCLUDES

Keto-diet has several rules including:

  • Fat intake: Daily calories from fat should be 70–80%. Your main source of fuel should be fats. Some examples of fats to incorporate into your diet are avocado, peanut, butter, nuts, seeds, cheese, olives, full fat mayo, olive oil, coconut oil, ghee, heavy cream, vegetable oil and avocado oil.
  • Protein intake: Daily calories from proteins should be 10–20%. Some examples of protein sources include eggs, yogurt, seafood, meat, poultry and cottage cheese.
  • Carbohydrate intake: Daily calories from carbs should be less than 50 grams, or even as low as 20 grams. Avoid any type of food that is high in carbs. This includes potatoes, sweet potatoes, beets, peas, oatmeal, wheat flour, whole wheat flour, rice, barley. Fruits are also high in carbs so they should be avoided, such as apples, grapes, bananas, dates, mangoes, peaches, pineapples, raisins, pears etc. Avoid beverages, avoid legumes and beans, and low-fat dairy products should be avoided.
  • Hydration: Stay hydrated.

THE AYURVEDIC TAKE ON KETO-DIET

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet. By minimizing your carbohydrate intake and upping your fat intake, the body enters a metabolic state called ketosis and becomes a fat-burning machine. In ayurveda the 3 main types of prakruti (body constitution type) have been mentioned. They are Vata, Pitta, Kapha. These prakruti have different digestive powers. When the doshas are vitiated, Vata dominant prakruti people have Vishama Agni (Irregular Metabolism), Pitta dominant prakruti people have Tikshna Agni (Hypermetabolism) and Kapha dominant prakruti people have Manda Agni (Hypometabolism). So according to their agni (digestive power) food is metabolised. From an Ayurvedic perspective, this diet could be useful in short periods of time for kapha dosha to reduce excess weight. Keto-diet may be challenging if used for a longer duration in any Prakruti (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). However, in the long term, this diet would create problems, so it is advised for a shorter duration to get its benefit. Given that the keto diet involves 70-80 percent saturated fats. This could lead to serious health issues. But some herbs can be added with this diet to gain the maximum result.

CONCLUSION

In this article we discussed ketogenic diet and how it will work on our body. In this article we mentioned how keto-diet works, process of ketogenesis, types of ketogenic diet its`s benefits, side effects of keto-diet, risk associated with keto-diet, who can follow keto-diet, who should avoid keto-diet, some general rules of ketogenic diet and the ayurvedic take on keto-diet. In keto-diet, calories are restricted therefore it gives benefit by reducing the risk of different diseases.

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